05/31/2026
📍 Point of Interest: Gukwdzi (Bighouse) Field
If you're visiting Alert Bay this summer, you might notice the updated Gukwdzi (Bighouse) soccer field, and there's a lot of history behind it worth knowing about.
Every year on Father's Day weekend, the 'Na̱mg̱is First Nation hosts “June Sports”, an invitation-only soccer tournament that draws teams from as far away as Vancouver. This year marks 66 years of that tradition, and it will be the second time the tournament will be held on the newly redesigned Gukwdzi Field - a professional-grade pitch built to improve the beloved but well-worn field that has served the community for decades.
The field is still in development, so it will be used exclusively for June Sports before fully opening to the community at a later date. When it does, it will be a space the 'Na̱mg̱is Nation can be genuinely proud of. 🌱
June Sports is more than a soccer tournament, it opens with a Salmon Prince & Princess Pageant, a parade, and traditional Gukwdzi (bighouse) ceremonies, and is a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone who attends.
If you're staying at The Cabins during your time in Alert Bay, the field is well worth a visit. And if your timing is right, experiencing June Sports weekend in Alert Bay is something you won't forget. (Note that we are currently fully booked for June Sports 2026 - make sure to book early for June Sports 2027!)
🏡 Book your stay at: www.thecabinsatalertbay.ca